Authorities in Hoover, Alabama, are investigating the deaths of Christina Chambers, a former WBRC sports reporter, and her husband, Johnny Rimes, after the couple was found shot inside their home Tuesday morning in an apparent murder-suicide.
Their three-year-old child was discovered unharmed at the scene.
Police were alerted by a family member around 9 a.m. Officers confirmed both adults had died from gunshot injuries and emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the community. Investigators said the case remains in its early stages.
Chambers joined WBRC in 2015 and became a familiar presence on the station’s “Sideline” program, which covers high school athletics.
The outlet reports that she was known for live sideline reporting and marathon coverage, often participating in races herself while providing on-air commentary.
After leaving her full-time reporting role in July 2021 to pursue education, Chambers continued freelancing for WBRC during the 2025 football season.
She also taught broadcast journalism at Thompson High School in Alabaster, mentoring students and expanding the school’s media program.
Under her guidance, students earned multiple honors, including the 2024 Alabama Scholastic Press Association Advisor of the Year, the 2025 Alex House Journalism Sustainability Award, a SkillsUSA State Championship in Broadcast News and two All-Alabama Overall Broadcast Awards, according to Trending Politics.
“From 2021 to early 2025, Christina served as a broadcast journalism teacher in our Broadcast Academy at Thompson High School, where she quickly formed meaningful connections with her students,” said Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers. “She brought her deep knowledge and love of sports reporting to Friday nights, leaving a lasting impression on students, colleagues, and viewers alike.”
Chambers also worked in corporate communications at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.
The company released a statement honoring her warm personality and positive impact on colleagues: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss… Christina was a source of joy and inspiration to our team and company—she will be greatly missed.”
Former colleagues remembered Chambers as both a devoted journalist and mother.
WBRC anchor Jeh Jeh Pruitt said, “She was one of the sweetest, most loving people that I know. She was relentless with running, loving her son, and loving life. I am so sorry for her family, the Chambers and Thompson Families, and her WBRC family.”
Alabama Sen. Katie Boyd Britt (R) also shared her condolences on social media, urging the community to keep Chambers’ loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.
A native of Cullman, Alabama, Chambers was a Division I scholarship athlete at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, competing in cross country and track while earning her degree in journalism.
Her reporting career included stints at WAKA in Montgomery, WLTZ NBC38 in Columbus, Georgia and Comcast Sports Southeast in Atlanta, where she covered Auburn University athletics and high school sports.
She also freelanced as a sideline reporter and halftime host for high school football and basketball broadcasts.
Police have not released further details regarding the circumstances of the deaths.
The investigation into the apparent murder-suicide is ongoing, with authorities reviewing the scene and evidence to determine what occurred.
